Chinese knife laws

[Mackenzie4856]

I'm going to be spending my spring break in China this march. i'll need to edc something, preferably legal. I know many countries have laws concerning locking blades. Any forum memebers familiar enough with Chinese law to help me out?

Specifically I was thinking of a douk-douk. Gives me an excuse to get one too.

 

[rottwang]

i know that folding blades are sold in open air markets very freely so i doubt a folding knife would get you in trouble by itself

 

[cheung_victor]

swiss army knife?!

 

[Mackenzie4856]

swiss army knife?!

I don't know what it is, but I just don't like the SAK as my only EDC. I need something that is just a knife, no other tools. That said, I will have a classic with me. Don't know why, kind of wish I could get past it. Weird knife quirk I guess.

The thing is, I am traveling with pretty much all sheeple. I expect to be the only one with any sort of preparedness mindset.

 

[lreed]

AFAK, any knife that can be potentially used as a weapon is prohibited.
Whether a knife is a potential weapon is vaguely evaluated based on several standards: knife type, blade length, and the angle of the tip.

In Beijing, any dagger that is longer than 100mm, triple-bladed dirk, and any spring-loaded knife that locks open are prohibited. Any other knives that have a blade length over 120mm and a tip angle less than 60 degree are also prohibited.

If in some rare cases a policeman want to confiscate your knife, make sure to ask for a receipt. I've read about stories about policemen attempting to confiscate SAKs, and they do that just because they want those knives. So insisting on having a legimit receipt usually stops such attempts.

Finally, try to make some Chinese friends and ask about their advice before you plan to visit somewhere, buy something, or eat something. That will help you avoid a lot of nasty stuff or people.

good luck!

 

[Mackenzie4856]

AFAK, any knife that can be potentially used as a weapon is prohibited...Finally, try to make some Chinese friends and ask about their advice before you plan to visit somewhere, buy something, or eat something. That will help you avoid a lot of nasty stuff or people.

good luck!

Thanks a lot. It is a college-run trip, and the professor has done it before. I had a good friend go two summers ago and he says it was amazing. I'll keep the advice in mind. Thanks a lot.

 

[updating]

According to the new knife law in China, Legal EDC that you can carry it to public as defined as, for fixed blade knives the O/L have to be less or equal to 10CM =3.94" (China uses metric system), the angle of the tip has to be great or equal to 60 degrees. All folding knives can NOT have any lock system and also O/L have to stay under 3.94". Knives that not in that two categories above are considered as violation, and will be taken away from you with no question ask. BTW, even your knives are in that two categories it still depends the policeman like it or not. : ) My suggestion is when you are in China buy some cheap knives over there, don't take them out in public only if necessary. when you at the air port back, throw them away, they can not be carried back to U.S anyway.

 

[mp510]

My suggestion is when you are in China buy some cheap knives over there, don't take them out in public only if necessary. when you at the air port back, throw them away, they can not be carried back to U.S anyway.

Unless there is some customs law/ regulation that I'm not aware you can have a knife in your checked bagage or mail it back to the states.

 

[joepie61]

I'm in China monthly. Street crime is up immensely. Use a cable gun lock to lock your knife into your checked carry on if possible. I always wear a Dawson or Emerson neck knife. And carry a tactical folder to boot. Take a small surefire flashlight or high quality LED flashlight and batteries. A light is invaluable there. Be discreet and don't flash your weapons. If you are in a bac situation it is better to have a blade you can count on than some junk you find there. It is easy to bribe the police so have cash on you in RMB. In China they make the rules up as they go so be repectful, smile and be polite. Never go anywhere by yourself only with your known escort. Gangs work in groups there so there may be 4-10 potentail attackers. Be careful and be safe. McDonald's is a culinary treat when you are in China...you'll see! Best,

Joe